Lucian FreudThe only comprehensive retrospective on one of the great painters of the twentieth and early twenty-first centuries

With more than 480 illustrations, this is the most comprehensive publication to date on one of the greatest painters of the twentieth and early twenty-first centuries, Lucian Freud.

Lucian Freud was one of the most significant artists of the twentieth and early twenty-first centuries, and Phaidon is honoured to publish the most complete retrospective of his career to date.

This sumptuous, definitive set is the result of an extraordinary collaboration between David Dawson – Director of the Lucian Freud Archive and for two decades Freud’s assistant, model, and friend – author Martin Gayford, and editor Mark Holborn.

Their collaboration has resulted in a book that goes beyond the work to reveal insights into the man himself. Gayford describes Freud’s determination always to tell the truth about what he was recording in paint. He believed in a found beauty, not one that was imagined by an artist and then imposed on his subject. He painted what he saw, in exquisite detail, and he found it beautiful.

With more than 480 illustrations, Phaidon celebrates that beauty – evoked in portraits of Freud’s friends and family, his lovers, his neighbours, and others whose looks he liked, from his bookmaker to a bank robber.

This is both a vital contribution to art scholarship and a gorgeous addition to the bookshelves of art lovers around the world.

With more than 480 illustrations, this is the most comprehensive publication to date on one of the greatest painters of the twentieth and early twenty-first centuries, Lucian Freud. See more: https://bit.ly/2x4kPkr

Kate by Mario SorrentiIntimate, never-before-published photographs taken just before Kate Moss's rise to fame, in one elegant volume

This gorgeously produced book features intimate, never-before-published portraits of a young and undiscovered Kate Moss, taken in the early 1990s by her then-boyfriend, Italian photographer Mario Sorrenti. Seen by Calvin Klein, the photographs gave life to the famous Obsession campaign, which launched Moss to international superstardom.

Sumptuously reproduced in tritone and presented in a cloth-covered clamshell box, Kate is a stunning photographic portfolio of one of contemporary culture's most iconic figures. It includes tipped-on images on the book and clamshell box's covers, plus an introductory essay by Sorrenti, which puts the work in its uniquely personal context.

This book, which celebrates the dawn of two legendary careers, and the start of the highly influential aesthetic of 1990s fashion photography, is a must-have for Kate Moss's fans, for fashion devotees, and for lovers of traditional portraiture and fashion photography.

This gorgeously produced book features never-before-published portraits of a young and undiscovered Kate Moss, taken in the early 1990s by her then-boyfriend, Italian photographer Mario Sorrenti. See more: https://bit.ly/2MizRc1

This is the only book to thoroughly document the world's finest examples of Brutalist architecture. More than 850 buildings - existing and demolished, classic and contemporary - are organized geographically into nine continental regions.

Presented in an oversized format with a specially bound case with three-dimensional finishes, 1000 beautiful duotone photographs throughout bring the graphic strength, emotional power, and compelling architectural presence of Brutalism to life.

From 20th century masters to contemporary architects, much-loved masterpieces in the UK and USA sit alongside lesser-known examples in Europe, Asia, Australia, and beyond - 102 countries in all.

Big. Bold. Brutal. The only book to thoroughly document the world's finest examples of Brutalist architecture. More than 850 buildings - existing and demolished, classic and contemporary - are organized geographically into nine continental regions. See more: https://bit.ly/2NAmyIv

Grace: Thirty Years of Fashion at VogueA chronicle of Grace Coddington's formative years at Vogue, now available as a jacketed paperback

Grace: Thirty Years of Fashion at Vogue showcases some of the most memorable photographs published in British and American Vogue from 1972 to 2002, stories created by the iconic fashion editor Grace Coddington. Both monograph and memoir, the book shows how Coddington transformed static studio portraiture into modern vivid tableaux and turned location shoots into cinematic narratives.

First published in 2002 and reissued by Phaidon in 2015 to great success, this paperback, midi-sized edition includes forewords by fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld and American Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour.

Grace: Thirty Years of Fashion at Vogue showcases some of the most memorable photographs published in British and American Vogue from 1972 to 2002, stories created by the iconic fashion editor Grace Coddington. See more: https://bit.ly/2NwDdMZ

Join us Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2012, at 6:30 p.m. for an hour of fascinating conversation about Judith Miller’s life with antiques and a glimpse into her latest book heralding design from the 1940s to 1960s. Miller’s Mid-Century Modern (Mitchell Beazley, 978-1845336936) is a comprehensive and critical guide to one of the most exciting periods in design history and one of the hottest design trends of the moment. This invaluable book covers all of the most iconic designs and designers emanating from the 1940s to 1960s and explores the most desirable furniture, ceramics, glass, metalware, interiors and textiles from the period.
The event will take place at the AGO (317 Dundas street W) visit http://artmatters.ca/wp/2012/10/designtalk-judith-miller-and-mid-century-modern-in-shopago/ for more information.

Lillian Bassman is a beloved figure in the pantheon of fashion photographers and who The Times of London called "one of the finest and most respected photographers of her generation.” Her signature style, once described by Richard Avedon as making "visible that heart-breaking invisible place between the appearance and the disappearance of things,” offers a sensuous and intimate vision of modern women. Lillian Bassman: Lingerie (Abrams, March 2012; U.S. $32.95; hardcover) is a collection of more than 80 black & white photographs that showcases the quintessential modern feminine image of women in their lingerie. This body of work that spans sixty years, rises above its commercial roots to portray a private realm where women appear to be effortlessly self-possessed.

Photo reprinted with permission by the publisher, ABRAMS BOOKS, from Lillian Bassman: Lingerie, March 2012.

This book is AMAZE-BALLS. Incorporating over 300 personal impact statements from the most important names in American fashion including Marc Jacobs, Alexander Wang, Donna Karan and more - the full colour images are stunning, many never-before-seen. I'll let the sampling below speak for themselves. Bottom line, if you love clothes and enjoy following careers in fashion, get ready to be inspired. IMPACT: 50 Years of the Council of Fashion Designers of America ($69.00 CAN, February 2012, 9781419702310) profiles over 100 iconic designers and includes personal essays from some of the most influential names in fashion.

Interested in learning more? Join over 125 other CFDA followers on Facebook and Twitter.

Yesterday I was lucky enough to attend a book signing at Teatro Verde, in their gorgeous Yorkville location. Lisa Immordino Vreeland was there, doing media interviews and signing copies of her new book published by Abrams Books - Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has to Travel(ISBN 9780810997431). The book is about the legendary fashion icon who worked at magazines Harper's Bazaar and Vogue — defining "allure" for females of her time.
In addition to meeting Vreeland (and getting a book signed!), I got to watch Jeanne Beker interview her! It was such an honour to meet both of these strong women and see them interact.

Teatro Verde was the perfect spot to have this event, as they were able to pull up some comfortable chairs and set up a great environment for the signing. Their displays of the book, and all product in the store, is truly unique.

One of the biggest event books of the Fall is undoubtedly the collaboration between mega-star Lady Gaga and acclaimed fashion photographer Terry Richardson. And today we can reveal the cover of this sure to be gorgeous and controversial collection.
With over 500 never-before-seen photos taken over a 10 month period, this is the first and only official book to be released by Gaga herself. Get ready little monsters, you’re about to gain unprecedented access to Lady Gaga’s tour and her fascinating private life.

“I didn’t hold anything back. It’s completely unfiltered. Nothing is staged. Terry can get you to do things and he can capture things that no one can ever capture.” —Lady Gaga, Hollywood Reporter

Need some distraction from the back-to-school bustle and the cooling weather? Cuddle up with these beautiful books in September:

Harper’s Bazaar: Greatest Hits by Glenda Bailey
For those looking for a new coffee-table book, look no further! This book contains over 300 photographs from America’s longest-running fashion magazine and was created by the magazine’s editor-in-chief. Available from Abrams September 1 2011 (ISBN 9781419700705)

The New Sonoma Cookbook by Connie Guttersen RD, PhDThis California-inspired cookbook is an updated edition, which includes new family meals, weight loss menus, food and wine pairings, “Cook Once, Eat Twice” recipes, and much more!
Available from Sterling Publishingon September 6 2011 (ISBN 9781402781193)

The Orchard by Therea Weir This is a mesmerising read which you won’t want to put down. This book covers many subjects; love, family, abandonment, farm life, environmentalism, the list goes on. Knowing that it is a memoir makes it even more captivating. Available from Grand Central Publishing on September 21 2011 (ISBN 9780446584692)

This is a stunning Manda Digital Exclusive video featuring holiday gift ideas for sophisticated book lovers. Featured are four beautifully illustrated titles, well-suited to gift-giving! Be sure to turn on your computer speakers...

The Globe and Mail published their selection of the year's most spectacular coffee-table books last Saturday - click on Gwenyth below to view the web version.

On another note, is it just me, or does the Globe Style section just keep getting better and better?

Moving along, the Vancouver Sun also published a booklist on Saturday, but focused on the top 10 lifestyle tomes of the season. It included Bunny Williams Scrapbook for Living, Miller's Costume Jewelry, and The World Atlas of Whisky. I found the list spot on!

Trying to nail down clever drink ideas for an upcoming holiday shin-dig? Impress your guests with these creative cocktail recipes put together by the folks at the Calgary Herald. My particular favourite is the Tequila Mockingbird adapted from Drinkology by James Waller.

Letty Halloran Flatt, author of Chocolate Snowball, was recently profiled on the CBC's Cookbook Club. For those of you seeking that gem of a cookie for your holiday bake swap - look no further. The Linzer Heart Cookie recipe was reproduced along with the interview. These cookies are SO adorable.

The Canadian Living Craft Blog gave away a copy of The Farm Chicks Christmas last week! If you're a crafter do yourself a favour and keep this site on your blog roll. They give stuff away a lot.

And finally, for gift ideas for the food fanatic on your list, I suggest taking a look at this list of the best cookbooks of the year compiled by The Montreal Gazette. Our favourites from the list? Plenty by Diana Henry and Rose Elliot's New Complete Vegetarian, your foodie friends will not be dissapointed.

As the legend has it, Judith Miller began collecting costume jewelry at the beginning of the cultural revolution of the 1960’s, while a student at Edinburgh University in Scotland. But whether hunting for her next piece in clandestine antique shops near the University or scouring for pieces at the Antique Roadshow, Judith has always had a knack for finding the unexpected, the beautiful and the rare at just the right moment. When Judith launched the best-selling Miller’s Antique Price Guidein 1979, she helped fuel the desire for antiques, collectables and costume jewelry through her intellect, wit and sharp eye for dazzling objects that appealed to both new and old collectors.

This year Judith has once again reminded us how she is still one of the best at finding the most coveted gems and why costume jewelry still has its place in fashion and society with her new book Costume Jewelry (ISBN 9781845335632). This beautifully photographed book guides the reader through a comprehensive introduction to costume jewelry – through Ancient Egypt, Medieval France and 19th century America – and further provides the most authoritative information on 20thcentury jewelry by iconic names such as Trifari, Coro, Chanel and Dior as well as showcases exciting new designers like Erickson Beamon, Mawi and Eddie Borgo.

Judith recently visited Toronto, Ontario to talk about her book, her addiction to costume jewelry and to pick up a few Canadian pieces for her personal collection. After Judith caught up with Dina on Breakfast Television, we followed close behind as she scouted jewels at two fantastic Toronto antique shops - Twice Found and Cynthia Findlay Antiques. See photos below!

Manda is extremely proud of our new eight-minute mini-documentary on Nigel Barker's day in Toronto promoting his new book, Nigel Barker's Beauty Equation. Check it out now! Available in HD as well, if you have the bandwidth.

Drawing on 20 years of experience in the beauty business and 14 seasons of judging on America’s Next Top Model, photographer Nigel Barker has discov­ered the formula for revealing inner beauty that will have readers looking great and feeling even better.

Casting aside conventional rules (be tall! be skinny! have flawless skin!) Nigel shares the elements that, when added together, equal true beauty: humor, honesty, and confidence, to name a few. Armed with their own cameras, readers are guided through a series of self-portrait chal­lenges that mirror the weekly challenges on ANTM. Along the way, Nigel shares tips and advice on fashion, style, hair, and make-up, showing readers how to turn perceived negatives into positives, celebrate their uniqueness, and be their personal best.